37% of Toronto residents considering leaving within 5 years, citing affordability

More than one in three Toronto residents say they're at least somewhat likely to move away within the next five years, according to an Ipsos City Poll released Wednesday. Among those considering leaving, 65% cite cost of living as their primary reason—a reflection of the affordability pressures reshaping the city.

Younger adults aged 18 to 34 and lower-income households are most likely to consider an exit. Among those planning to move, traffic comes up next, cited by 41%, followed by desire for a lifestyle change (35%), crime concerns (34%), and better job opportunities elsewhere (31%).

The poll, which surveyed just over 1,000 people, underscores how deeply affordability anxiety runs through Toronto. Seventy-four percent of residents believe the housing situation is "out of control"; 69% say homeownership is "only for the rich." Among non-homeowners, 80% agree homeownership is out of reach. Even among those who own homes, 39% believe their property is worth less than what they paid.

On other fronts, 80% of residents say Toronto would be a better place to live without severe traffic, and 63% say traffic negatively affects their day-to-day routine. On safety, 78% feel safe in their neighbourhoods and 70% feel safe across the city, but 41% feel unsafe on the TTC and 44% feel unsafe at Sankofa Square. Mayor Olivia Chow holds a 15-point lead over Brad Bradford among all voters (36% support versus 21%), with 47% saying she deserves re-election.